Youth Organization

Understanding Europe Germany

The non-profit association Understanding Europe Germany e.V. was founded as a spin-off of the Schwarzkopf Foundation Young Europe’s project Understanding Europe in 2019. Currently, 65 trainers from all over Germany are active. We are young educators who want to bring politics and European topics into the classroom. We want to facilitate discussions at eye level and aim to give young people a space to discuss these topics. We promote understanding of democracy, impartial political participation and political education of young people. Diversity, anti-discrimination and sustainability are the core values of our work.

Coordinators

Vivien Gerick

Coordinator

“Since 2024, I have been part of Understanding Europe Germany and have had the opportunity to give numerous courses in schools and contribute to various projects within the organization. I find the exchange with students during the courses, as well as with trainers in internal trainings, to be incredibly enriching. Engaging in dialogue allows me to gain new perspectives on different topics and reinforces my commitment to advancing political education alongside other dedicated young people.”

Janina Sülflow

Coordinator

"Since 2021, I have been part of Understanding Europe and continuously realize how important this program is. It not only enables students to learn but also helps us trainers grow. By bringing together different perspectives, it makes a crucial contribution—especially in current times."

Michel Wicke

Coordinator

“As part of my political education work, it’s important to me that young people get to talk to each other in order to learn from one another. Because getting to know new perspectives strengthens our understanding of participation. In this way, they become part of a European community and help shape the European idea”

Ole Wahls

Coordinator

"I am part of Understanding Europe because this program provides young people with a space to develop ideas and demands for a better way of living together. It encourages the exchange of different perspectives, learning from one another, and places democratic values at the center of everyday debates."